Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — It was only the 11th triple-overtime game in the history of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
The San Miguel Beermen bounced back from a disappointing outing against Barangay Ginebra, with a hard fought triple overtime victory, 131-127, over the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday (April 5) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import Tyler Wilkerson paced the Beermen with 58 points
After a lackluster showing in their last game, the Beermen were quick off the mark and led by 36-20 early in the second period of play. But they were not able to maintain their momentum, as the Road Warriors chipped at the San Miguel lead.
With 10.1 ticks left in regulation, Al Thornton heaved a hopeful three pointer as time expired, which found the bottom of the net and sent the game into overtime, 99-all.
In overtime, the Beermen held a slim 108-106 advantage after Wilkerson sank a couple of free throws with 34.4 ticks left on the clock.
But a Sean Anthony lay-in, to tie it up at 108-all, and good defensive effort in the succeeding play, ensured that the crowd would be treated to a second overtime period.
In the second overtime, the Road Warriors bucked a 112-118 deficit and saw their potential game winning dunk chalked off as the game went into a third period of overtime, 118-all.
With 17.3 ticks in triple overtime, Marcio Lassiter sank two free throws to finally put the game beyond doubt at 131-127.
Al Thornton had a monster game for NLEX and finished with 69 points and 19 rebounds.
After the game San Miguel coach Leo Austria had nothing but praise for the Road Warriors, who he believes showcased their title credentials.
“This is just like a championship. This game was really important for us and NLEX,” said Austria. “I have to congratulate them (NLEX), pinakita nila that they are title contenders.”
The Beermen improve to a 6-3 record, while the Road Warriors sink to 5-5.
